Everyone knows 1066 as the date of the Norman invasion and conquest of England. But how many of us can place that event in the context of the entire dramatic year in which it took place? From the death of Edward the Confessor in early January to the Christmas coronation of Duke William of Normandy, there is an almost uncanny symmetry, as well as a relentlessly exciting surge, of events leading to and from Hastings.

Introduction England - New Year's Day Death of a King - January 4 Coronation - January 5 Rouen - January 10 The Comet - April 18 Normandy - Spring Norway - Summer North Wind - August 10-September 12 York - September 20-25 The English Channel - September 28 The Challenge - October 3-13 Hastings - October 14 London - Otober 15-December 25 England - New Year's Eve Sources and Acknowledgments Index

Everyone knows 1066 as the date of the Norman invasion and conquest of England. But how many of us can place that event in the context of the entire dramatic year in which it took place? From the death of Edward the Confessor in early January to the Christmas coronation of Duke William of Normandy, there is an almost uncanny symmetry, as well as a relentlessly exciting surge, of events leading to and from Hastings.

Table of Contents

Introduction England - New Year's Day Death of a King - January 4 Coronation - January 5 Rouen - January 10 The Comet - April 18 Normandy - Spring Norway - Summer North Wind - August 10-September 12 York - September 20-25 The English Channel - September 28 The Challenge - October 3-13 Hastings - October 14 London - Otober 15-December 25 England - New Year's Eve Sources and Acknowledgments Index